The use of any drugs in the Davenport University community must be within the limits of federal and state laws. Davenport University reminds students and staff of their responsibility to know and obey those federal and state laws prohibiting the use of illegal drugs and alcohol.

While Davenport University is not specifically responsible for the enforcement of federal and state drug laws, those agencies charged with this legal responsibility have the authority to carry out their duties on campus. Individuals who illegally possess, use, or supply prohibited drugs or alcohol within the academic community risk action by the appropriate civil authorities and consequent penalty in addition to University sanctions.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Amendments of 1989 require all federal grant recipients to certify a drug-free environment. Davenport University has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and healthful learning environment for the benefit of its students and employees and to ensure its successful operation as an educational institution. In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989, Davenport University has established the following policy, which reinforces the University’s commitment toward promoting a drug-free learning environment:

It is the policy of Davenport University that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs and alcohol is prohibited on University property or as part of its activities.

As a condition of receiving an education at Davenport University, each student is required by federal law to comply with the terms of this statement. Any student or employee who is found to have violated the policy will be subject to sanctions by the University, which may include suspension, expulsion, and referral for prosecution.

Federal Law

Federal law also requires that students be advised of the following:

Legal Sanctions – Federal and state law prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances, illicit drugs, and alcohol. Specific criminal penalties are applicable to unlawful activities as identified above and may include imprisonment and fines.

Health Risks – Significant health risks are associated with and result from the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol, including raised blood pressure, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of sleep, anxiety, depression, heart or respiratory failure, and liver, brain, and stomach destruction. In addition, there can be serious health risks to an unborn child.

Counseling and Treatment – Davenport University is committed to assisting students and employees with substance abuse problems through utilization of available drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation or reentry programs.

Alcohol and Other Drug Sanctioning Model

All students are individuals, and all cases are adjudicated based on the specific and unique merits of each. The following is meant to inform choice and decision-making on behalf of the student participating in the action as well as provide a consistent philosophy for the Hearing Officer or council in developing sanctions. Please know that for egregious offenses, it is common for a student to "skip" lesser sanction options and be suspended from the University after only one offense.

Keep in mind, the purpose of sanctioning is to educationally redirect inappropriate behavior. In so doing, Hearing Officers are provided a wide range of sanction options for any given violation including the application of additional discretionary educational sanctions not included below. The final decision regarding a sanctioning plan is held by the Hearing Officer or Hearing Council.